Biggest Project in My Life!!

Haven't posted anything for 3 years (more than 3 years...) because......

Mini Family.

Our friend "A-Mon" showed up with her mini.  I couldn't resist to take a family photo!

New Project!

The main reason to give up the BMW was the transmission.  The other reason was the baby.  Baby would arrive around early March.  We were in need of a four door car.  After selling the BMW, we placed the order of mini cooper countryman s.  We put in the combination we like and waited for 2 months.  

We got a call from our sales late 12/23/2011.  He told us the car just unloaded from the truck.  Due to Christmas, we couldn't get our car until 26th.

This car may become my new project.  :)

Sold!

 

I haven't had a chance to update this blog.  The car was sold in late October.  There was a net $5000 lost for this project.

Fooling around with old car is a good hobby for "rich" people.  I think I need to wait until I become rich to get into this hobby.

This blog will continue to exist.  I will start showing other projects I am working on.  :)

Phase 1: Finished Product

This was the last view before selling the car.

At that moment, I spent roughly $9000 (including the price of the car).  A lot of money was unnecessary if I bought the regular version.  Lesson learned.

E36 318ti is  a very good car.  It's simple and easy to operate.  No fancy electronic stuff.  Easy to fix.  It actually holds value (don't get the California edition). 

It was a sad day seeing the car go, but it was also a relief to me.  The transmission problem scared me a bit.  I still believe having the 2nd transmission fluid change would solve the problem.  The roof was hopeless.  The paint job was really not up to my standard.

Car was sold for $3500.

Finally, I have the driver side door done!

 

After driving this car with no door panel for 3 months, it's really exciting to see the finished product.  It's not perfect (not to my standard), but at this moment, I was glad to see it done.  I would hear less noise from outside.  I could finally lean my arm on the door.......

Replaced both handle bars.  Also got the new speakers from ebay (one withtout broken ring).

Money spent:  $48.01

Total expense: $8078.33

Soldering

How hard is soldering wires?  It's actually quite easy.  Therefore, don't be afraid to do it youself.

I had seen my dear friend done a few times.  I decided to do it this time.  First, checked Youtube.  You could find a lot of "how-to" film clips there.

I got the old wire set from ebay for $28.80.  The previous owner replaced the driver side door with a 1995 model which doesn't have 2 speaker wires.  

Money spent: $28.80

Total expense: $8030.32